2009 Evaluations: The Quarterbacks

First a few…or actually alot of updates:

1. I would have wrote my normal article yesterday but my three friends from college decided to visit in the middle week for whatever reason, so instead of doing school work, blogging, and eating…my normal activities during the week, I ended up drinking, playing NBA Jam and NBA Jam related drinking games, and continuing my reign as our group of friend’s best beer pong player. Anyway, I have some catching up to do.

2. Mark Sanchez had his knee surgery yesterday and according to him everything went well…can you hear the collective sigh of relief from Jets fans everywhere? He is expected back in time for training camp.

3. The Jets worked out former Cowboys kicker Nick Folk. I had Folk last year for a little while in fantasy and let me tell you…he was terrible. I understand Jay Feely is a free agent and might be asking for a little too much money, especially since Oakland just paid Sebastian Janikowski like he was a franchise quarterback, but a team like the Jets can’t deal with a downgrade from Jay Feely to Nick “What The” Folk. I am already having nightmares about him missing 34 yard field goals in New England next year.

4. The Jets are likely headed back to Cortland for training camp next year.

6. Follow Turn On The Jets on facebook…I am happy to say we finally cracked 200 fans and now currently sit at 203…Now I want 300.

7. Thoughts On Lost Season 6 Episode 4 “The Substitute” – A nice improvement from last week’s episode, “The Substitute” was a Locke-centric episode with an intriguing alternate timeline story and even better action on the island. First in the alternate reality, Locke has much a different personality. He no longer believes in destiny or miracles and seems like he is somewhat happy with his life. I enjoyed all the cross-overs with other characters (Hurley, Rose, Ben) but I am starting to wonder when the characters are going to become conscious of their history/whatever you want to call it on the island. As much as I enjoy watching Ben and Locke teach junior high school, I need to start seeing some connection to the other storyline. On the island, we got some answers and hell of alot more questions. Who is that weird kid with the bloody arms chasing around the Man in Black? Why does the Man In Black want Richard’s support? When was the Man In Black…actually a man and not the smoke monster? I thought the numbers in the cave was obviously a cool scene, but what a hell of a commute Jacob has to make every time he wants to write somebody’s name down…get some paper man. I am not sure I believe half the stuff the Man In Black told Sawyer and I am pretty sure Sawyer is looking to con him.

8. Now that the Cavs acquired Antawan Jamison…get ready for the Cleveland/L.A. series we were denied last year. By the way, the Knicks actually did something somewhat smart by getting Tracy McGrady because they are now going to be able to clear some serious cap space next season.

The Good: You can see the vast improvement in Sanchez’s regular season numbers to postseason numbers, which is obviously a good sign. Despite his inconsistencies, Sanchez showed he has the talent to be a very good NFL quarterback in his rookie season, whether it was during his terrific three game start, both regular season games against Miami, or during the Jets playoff run, the “it” factor the Jets drafted him for is there. Even though he was a rookie, he appeared to quickly gain the respect of his teammates as a leader on offense. Sanchez showed good mobility and a consistent ability to throw the ball well on the run. He can throw all the necessary passes in a NFL offense and has great touch/accuracy on his deep balls.

The Bad: Inconsistent. Sanchez was awful at times during his rookie season, mostly as a result of poor decision making and attempts to force plays when there was nothing there. He needs to improve in the 2 minute drill and his accuracy/decision making in the short/intermediate passing game. Occasionally, Sanchez tends to lock on a receiver and not look off defensive backs. He needs to learn better ball protection skills when he is in the pocket and scrambling. Also, he has to improve his sliding skills. No more hot dogs on the sideline and no more index cards at post game press conferences.

Best Moments: Played a great game in both the wild-card round and the AFC Championship Game…Made a clutch third down touchdown pass in the Jets Divisional Round win…Improved his play during the stretch run of the regular season by being more careful with the football.

Overall Grade (C+/B-) The regular season stats aren’t pretty. Yet, Sanchez found a way to get the Jets into the playoffs as a rookie and most importantly elevated his game in the post-season.

Kellen Clemens

Stat Line: 13/26, 125 yards, 62.3 QB Rating

The Good: He managed not to lose the game when he had to start against Tampa Bay and step in during the second half of the Buffalo game. Clemens provided a good mentor to Sanchez and never is a problem in the locker room or with the media.

The Bad: He lost yet another quarterback battle. He could barely get out of his own way against the Bills when he relieved Sanchez. He looked like he has regressed from a couple of years ago during his start against the Bucs.

Best Moments: Getting a win against Tampa…Taking a knee against the Bengals after the Jets clinched a playoff spot.

Overall Grade (C-) I don’t have any confidence in him as a starter, if he had to step in for an extended period of time.

Erik Ainge/Kevin O’Connell

Comments: Ainge looked pretty good in the pre-season and could be a long term answer as the team’s #2 quarterback. The Jets must think O’Connell has some type of potential since they held on to him all season.

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Author: Joe Caporoso

Joe Caporoso is the Owner and EIC of Turn On The Jets. His writing has been featured in the New York Times, Huffington Post, MMQB and AdWeek. Caporoso played football his entire life, including four years at Muhlenberg as a wide receiver, where he was arguably the slowest receiver to ever start in school history. He is the VP of Social Media at Whistle Sports
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